I am literally terrified. I went for my Routine Breast Screening appointment July 25th and received a letter needing further tests 
… it’s this Wednesday 7 Augusts and my Health Anxiety has shot through the roof.
I can’t focus and I’m not sleeping , eating or thinking properly.
I have always been breast aware and have noticed no changes.
Five years ago when I was 45 I did feel a lump in my breast and was referred to have it checked out at the breast clinic. That was officially my first Mammogram and Ultra Sound. Thankfully it was just a Cyst but the radiologist did state I have many cysts in my breasts. Small ones. Since then I’ve always checked my breast. Now I go to my routine screening and I’m being called back for more tests and I’m at my wits end. I can’t cope with panic and worry. Please can someone help me. 
Hi, yes it is a scarey time. When I got my recall letter, my legs went to jelly. I could hardly hold the letter as I was shaking. My appointment was for 2 weeks time but couldn’t get that day off work, so I had to reschedule. The 3 week wait was an anxious time. I tried to focus on nice things and keep busy. I kept saying it might be nothing. You can speak to Macmillan or Maggies for additional support. They are very good at listening. Easier said than done, but try not to worry too much at the moment until you have your tests. You have been there before. Even if it is cancer, there are loads of effective treatments available these days. Fingers crossed for you. Lets us know how things go x
I’m trying to keep mind on other things. I did phone the nurse but not much she could tell me and didn’t reassure me that much. She just seemed to want to get off phone.
When I went before I was terrified as well. It is a very depressing time for me and I just want to get myself back to my usual happy self again. Won’t be long till I’m there - dreading going but at the same time I don’t want to go. Thank you for your reply. 
Hi dolly74
I know it’s scary when you get call back letter , a friend of mine did the other week and was totally freaked out it turns out to be a cyst which they dealt there and then .
If and only if it’s suspicious they would have caught it early 
it’s a cyst again .
The forum is always here for you x
Thank you. I’m trying to keep calm and positive. Yeah last screening was a referral but that was five years ago when I was 45 and was a cyst but I just keep thinking the worst now. I’m hoping I won’t go to jelly when I arrive at the hospital 
. Xx
… also do the nurses you can call tell you over the phone what was seen on the mammogram ? A friend told me when she received a recall letter you could phone a nurse for support and she said the nurse told her what it looked like it was ! Which panicked me because when I phoned the nurse number on the letter the nurse said she don’t know why I’ve been recalled. Just all very stressful
Hi @dolly74
To be honest even if you could get someone to explain on the phone why you have been recalled I honestly would not try as without further tests they can’t and probably would refuse to tell you what it is / isn’t because it would be a best guess which could then be wrong . They may be prepared to tell you more on Wednesday after your tests .
I don’t know what they all are but there are very many benign breasts conditions out there - my BCN told me so. My recall letter said that only 4 out of 100 women who are recalled turn out to have cancer . I know that’s not much comfort and I did have it but almost all the women at my recall clinic left looking very relieved .
I recently was called for a routine 3 year mammogram despite the fact that I’m still having the annual ones and when I called up to query it I was told that the two systems don’t communicate so they possibly have t seen your previous history .
Hang in there - it’s less than 48 hours now . It might be helpful to write your questions down in a little book - for one thing it they will be out of your head and for another if you take it you and ask if you have questions at any point then you can get it out and ask them.
Let us know how it went we are here for you either way . With love . Xx
Thank you. In a way I want it to hurry up but in another way I don’t want to go as I’m scared and my Health Anxiety is bad right now. I just feel numb to be honest. It’s very scary having a to go back but I’m just hoping it’s nothing or something very small and they will treat it. I will certainly let you know.
Hi dolly74
Thanks for your post. It’s understandable you’re anxious about being recalled after your first breast screening mammogram and, as @poorlyboob says, it is a scary time.
The purpose of breast screening is to detect very early breast cancers that cannot be felt. Some women will be recalled for assessment, but most will not have cancer.
Because the screening programme is not aimed at women with symptoms, the clinic will not have your previous mammograms to compare with. It’s also more common to be recalled after your first screening mammogram.
You could contact your GP to discuss your concerns and they may be able to give you something to help you relax. It’s also a good idea to take someone with you to your appointment.
You may find this information about ways to relax and mindfulness helpful during this difficult time. This information, NHS ‘Tackling your worries,’ may also be useful.
You’re welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
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